[antiochian]

For the longest time I thought it was wrong--even evil to question what the "divine authority" of the Church (including the Bible, the Church fathers, the Ecumenical Councils, what priests and monks have told me, etc.) had hammered into my head. It's almost cultic--if we think for one moment that all this stuff could be false, a quick guilt trip will put us back on the straight and narrow. It's like we learn how to zap ourselves when we catch ourselves doubting because we've been taught that it's wrong to think outside the box.

I thank God that you, Unmasked, have been set free from that wretched burden. Don't ever feel guilty for questioning. To many extremist Christians, the Bible is an idol. There are other idols--the latest Joyce Meyer book, something Augustine may have written centuries ago, what Benny Hinn says in his lectures. As if any finite human being can speak the pure and infinite truth of the Divine One. Why do we flock to hear these people as if they alone have some grasp on heaven's mysteries, as if we ourselves are incapable of exploring for ourselves?

I'm tired of people saying I have to believe or behave this or that way because "the Bible says..." The Bible doesn't say shit (pardon the language). The Bible is interpreted, and frankly it's been interpreted in many ways in many places and times. Not everything is black and white. There is so much gray.

May we always remember that God gave us freedom to use and think with our minds, that we don't have to take anyone's word (or interpretation of words) for truth without examining it ourselves. God made us to be and wants us to be free.